Preparations are underway to hold an extraordinary sitting of the People’s Majlis.

RaajjeMV understands that the parliament is currently preparing to hold an extraordinary sitting, after the endorsement of one third of lawmakers sought an extraordinary Majlis sitting, on June 22.

The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) sought an extraordinary sitting, with leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, Mohamed Aslam having addressed a letter to Speaker and Former President Mohamed Nasheed, stressing that important work was pending by the time Majlis went into recess.

Concerns were also raised over the lack of inclusion in the parliamentary rules, which was to be included in the agenda, for the sitting held on June 22.

A credible source told RaajjeMV that preparations to hold the extraordinary sitting, are currently underway.

The request to hold extraordinary sittings was made under Article 45 (d) of the People’s Majlis Standing Orders, which requires the People’s Majlis to hold the extraordinary sittings as requested, within the next 14 days. The 14 days will expire by July 6.

Although an exact date for the extraordinary sitting is yet to be decided, it is expected that the date will be announced after the Eid-Al-Adha holidays.

Speaker Nasheed acknowledged MDP’s request to extend the session and wrapped up the second parliament session on June 22. Many other MPs representing the ruling party backed Aslam’s proposal to extend the session.

Some of the pending work at the People’s Majlis when it went into recess on Thursday include a no-confidence motion against the Deputy Speaker, as well as no-confidence motions against Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath.

In addition to this, work related to institutions, such as the appointment of a member to the Elections Commission and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission have also been halted at committee stage.

Several other important bills are also pending.

The second session of the People’s Majlis commenced on May 18, with 14 sittings held throughout the session.

Parliament will resume for the third session, in August 2023.